The Little BIG Things Video series

Our friends at Enterprise Media captured Tom’s thoughts during an early draft stage of his book, The Little BIG Things: 163 Ways to Pursue Excellence. This collection of 80 videos covers his distinctive wisdom in seven categories.

Excellence

Bias for Action

Tom goes back to his roots, revisiting the first of the basics from In Search of Excellence, A Bias for Action.2 minutesWatch the video | PDF transcript

Cross-Functional Communication

Cross-functional communication is often listed as issue #1 within organizations, and, Tom says, it boils down to one main variable that's extraordinarily simple.2 minutes, 56 secondsWatch the video | PDF transcript

Thoughts on Tom Watson

Tuck in the Shower Curtain

Tom's lesson from Conrad Hilton, master hotelier, is to be sure the little things get done. In Hilton's view, you should tuck in the shower curtain.Time: 2 minutes 34 secondsWatch the video | PDF transcript

Angry People Make Change

Leadership

Listening

Tom uses an example from the healthcare industry to highlight the importance of listening, "the single most significant strategic strength that an organization can have."3 minutes, 37 secondsWatch the video | PDF transcript

The 4 Most Important Words

Building Success

Tom shares the philosophy of Dave Liniger of RE/MAX: your goal should be to make the people who work for you successful to increase the odds of your own success.2 minutes, 2 secondsWatch the video | PDF transcript

Don't Use Standardized Forms

Tom compares your business to an NFL franchise or a Symphony Orchestra. Can you imagine either of these groups using a standard HR assessment to choose their talent?3 minutes, 14 secondswatch the video | PDF transcript

Hire the Last One Percenters

Tom explains that, when hiring, you should look for a special class of people who can't rest until the job is finished—through that last one percent.2 minutes 48 secondsWatch the video | PDF transcript

Key Question

Tom says, "When you become a senior leader, you're not supposed to be the number one strategist, you're supposed to hire the number one strategist."3 minutes, 37 secondsWatch the video | PDF transcript

Managing by Wandering Around

Milestones Matter

Tom describes his drive from Tinmouth VT to Boston MA with milestones (short-term goals) along the way. Do you have a milestone/goal for the next 24, 48, or 72 hours?3 minutes, 40 secondsWatch the video | PDF transcript